Look up. Now look to the sides. If you stop there, you are missing out on one of the most important pieces of a beautiful space. Always remember to look down, too. Yes, at the floor. The floor isn’t just something you step on. Just like every part of a house, the flooring—whether wood, tiled, or carpeted—has to feel right. It has to blend well with everything so the space looks whole.

If you are hoping to sell your home or condo, never underestimate your choice of flooring options to attract buyers. On the other hand, if you are buying a home or condo, never underestimate what good flooring can do to beautify your space. Today, floor designs are more intricate. It is not as simple as wood versus tile anymore. It’s the small details that seal the deal. In fact, a Houzz remodeling survey revealed that, while consumers have different priorities as to which part of the house they want remodeled first, flooring in general is the most desired part of each room that they want to change.

Choosing the right flooring options for your home seems to be a daunting task. It involves marrying personal taste with practicality and durability. Let this list help you level up those home flooring ideas you’ve been tinkering with.

Hardwood for Style

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The best thing about hardwood is that it looks nice and stylish. It’s also easy to clean and requires minimal vacuuming. Installing hardwood in the living room and extending it to the dining area, especially for open space designs, will look classy and easy on the eyes. The drawback is occasional squeaky wood floors, which can be solved with a rug that muffles the noise a bit. Water may also ruin wood, so be careful to keep the floors dry. Also, hardwood floors may need refinishing every now and then.

Luxury in Vinyl

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Yes, you got that right. Vinyl is among the most inexpensive flooring materials. But with the huge selection of style and colors, vinyl can look like anything, even a luxurious floor covering. Vinyl can look like hardwood, tile or stone and has more depth and texture than it did a generation ago. You can buy vinyl in sheets, tiles or planks, and it also comes in various levels of gloss to achieve the shine you want. It is resilient, durable, and low-maintenance. Vinyl is best for hardworking and high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways. You just have to watch out for stains, scratches, and wear and tear.

Easier with Linoleum

Like vinyl, linoleum now comes in a huge variety of designs and colors and is available in tiles and sheets. Whether you want quiet neutrals or vibrant hues, you can count on linoleum. The best thing about linoleum is it doesn’t trap dust or bacteria. It is also low-maintenance, durable, and mildew-resistant. New designs are also more eco-friendly and provide an all-natural alternative to vinyl. It also feels warm and comfortable. Sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming are easy ways to clean this type of flooring, and if a yellow cast appears, simply expose it to artificial light or sunlight. Also, remember that durability varies with the kind of linoleum you choose and some types may require regular refinishing. It may also expand because of moisture.

Tile for Elegance

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Tile is very popular because not only is it durable, but it’s also very versatile. Bathrooms, kitchens, and high-moisture areas are usually the place for tile, but with its cutting-edge designs, tile is also making its way into living rooms. Homeowners may complain that ceramic tile is prone to cracking and chipping, but these problems are unlikely in porcelain and natural stone tile. Tile resists water, stains, and cracking, and it even improves with age. Tile is also made from natural materials.

Fascinate with Laminate

Laminate is an excellent flooring option for your home. It is like a chameleon and can turn into anything you want. It can give you the look of hardwood, tile, or stone, minus the cost. Its texture is realistic and can be finished with gloss or matte. It is also durable, and its surface is resistant to stains, fading, and moisture. It is a favorite for homeowners with kids and pets because it is so easy to maintain, and basic home repairs are rare. It can produce a “hollow” sound. But probably the best thing about laminate floors is that laminate is extremely earth-friendly, a home feature that is becoming increasingly important to buyers. Old laminate can even be reused and recycled.

Tough with Concrete

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There are several reasons why concrete floors rock. A stylish choice for indoor floors, concrete can be finished in various ways, given a textured surface, and buffed until glassy. It can also come in various colors and enhanced with decorative treatment and polishes. Concrete is also very durable, withstands wear, and is resistant to stains and even fire. Watch out for hairline cracks, though, that can appear over time, especially with heavy-traffic areas. If you are using concrete, make sure you know how to reseal it and how to avoid the “echo effect.”

Go Modern with Cork

No, there is no bottle of wine involved here. This cork refers to the sleek, contemporary, and resilient flooring that is gaining in popularity. It can be stained, painted, or left to its natural color. Cork is dense and has good insulation, meaning it naturally lasts longer. If you use cork, place mats under furniture legs and regularly move furniture slightly to prevent uneven indentation. Cork is also renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable.

C is for Carpet and Comfort

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Do you have a favorite soft, comfy sweater? Something that makes you feel cozy and warm? If you want that nice feeling in your home, carpet is the way to go. Carpet fibers hold heat, insulate better, and feel soft on the feet. Carpet also comes in various designs, colors, and materials, including nylon, polyester, or wool. Carpet is best for bedrooms, playrooms, and family rooms. However, pick carpet that is durable and stain-treated, and be ready to vacuum more and have it cleaned more regularly. If you think wall-to-wall carpeting will take too much work, use smaller carpets and rugs to define certain spaces.

Remember that floors work hard, so you have to go for durability and resiliency when choosing flooring for your home. There are plenty of stylish, modern, and chic designs available, and the right flooring offers a good combination of style and practicality in your home.